I often enjoy reading about other travelers adventures when I’m between trips. Sometimes I enjoy reading about destinations I’ve experienced and other times I want to read about a type of travel I’ve never experienced. Each of these books is written from a different perspective. They will make you laugh out loud and sometimes cry.
Vroom by the Sea By: Peter Moore
Peter is a well known writer and traveler. His story begins with one last adventure before impending fatherhood. He travels on a bright orange Vespa through Sicily, Sardinia and along the Amalfi Coast. He names his Rally 200 Vespa Marcello. This is Peter’s second Italian adventure. His first was on the back of Sophie a coffee colored Vespa that he rode from Milan to Rome.
Peter’s adventures on Marcello will keep you laughing; you’ll wish you were in Italy on a Vespa. From a crazy moment when he has to drive the wrong way on a one way street to having his Vespa worked on by a mechanic he wants to punch for making a dent, you’ll feel the authentic experiences right along with Peter. He meets Italians who love his Vespa; they share beer, coffee, conversations and their own Vespa memories with Peter. Along the way he collects refrigerator magnets of patron saints and they ride along with him on his journey, in the tiny glove compartment. Peter’s journey is one of freedom, fun and contemplation as he considers what the future holds with fatherhood around the corner.
For more about Peter Moore take a look at his website. Dreaming of your own Italian Vespa adventure? Through Peter’s website I discovered a website called ScooterBella ScooterBella offers trips through Tuscany, Provence, and Puglia. They also offer custom tours.
Sisters of the Sari By: Brenda L. Baker
This book is actually a novel based on Brenda Bakers own experiences in India. This book is compelling; it grabs your attention and keeps it. It draws you into the Indian culture. It touches your heart with the experiences of an American woman visiting India. Kiria has her wallet stolen and is helped by Santoshi, an Indian woman who lives in a short stay home for poor women. Kiria wanting to repay Santoshi’s kindness finds the short stay home to pay her.
Kiria is appalled by the poverty the women live in. She wants to do more for Santoshi and women like her. She embarks on a journey of building decent housing for poor women in Chennai. The book is filled with moments that touch your heart and wrench it at the same time. It is an outstanding book. I couldn’t put it down. I finished the 327 page book in two days. It gives you a look into the Indian culture, it’s beauty and complexity. Interested in your own India travel adventure? Beth Whitman leads Wandertours to destination in India and beyond.
Vroom by the Sea is available through Summersdale Publishing.
Sisters of the Sari is available through Penguin Books.
I received these books as review copies from Summersdale and Penguin.